LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



A 



TO THE 

CLERGY AND OTHER MEMBERS 

OF TIIE 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

IN THE 

United States of America, 

FROM THE 
ASSEMBLED 

In General Convention in the City of 
Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1838. 



NEW- YORK : 
SWORDS, STANFORD, & CO. 

1838. 



Extract from Canon VII. Sec. 3, 1835. 

" And it is hereby made the duty of every Clergyman having a pastoral 
charge, when any such letter is published, to read said Pastoral Letter to 
his congregation on some occasion of public worship." 



D. Faushaw, Printer. 



Through the merciful goodness of our heavenly Father, 
the General Convention of our churches has again been per- 
mitted to meet in council ; and according to our custom and 
to the canons of our church, we, your bishops, at the close of 
our deliberations, and at the request of the House of the Cle- 
rical and Lay Deputies, address to you this letter on the pre- 
sent state of the churches under our pastoral care, and the 
duties incumbent on those who desire the promotion of their 
prosperity and peace. 

But, in the performance of this duty our minds are filled 
with mournful recollections of the past. He who so long 
presided in our councils, and to whom, with the most rever- 
ential regard, we have been accustomed to look, as a father 
in Israel and a spiritual guide, — he, on whose wisdom and 
pen we have chiefly depended in expressing our senti- 
ments and advice in these our Pastoral Addresses, has been 
called from his earthly labors; — his spirit has departed to 
the church above, and his mortal remains now rest in the 
tomb. But though dead he yet speaketh in the excellent 
productions of his pen, which remain as the lasting monu- 
ments of his piety and wisdom. Like the apostle Peter, he 
has very successfully " endeavored that we may be able, after 
his decease, to have in remembrance the things " most essen- 
tial to Zion's prosperity. On this occasion there is a peculiar 
fitness in our directing your attention to what he has taught. 



4 



PASTORAL LETTER, 



(1838. 



We are called on this occasion to lament the decease of 
another of our Episcopal brethren, the Right Rev. William 
Murray Stone, D. D. who has been more recently taken from 
the field of his faithful labors. From our small number have 
two been taken since our last convention, admonishing us 
who survive to labour with diligence, and to be also ready. 

With thankfulness to the Giver of all good we are permit- 
ted to report that others have been added to the House of 
Bishops. Soon after the close of our last convention in 
1835, the Rev. Jackson Kemper, D. D. was consecrated to 
the Episcopal supervision of our churches in the states of 
Indiana and Missouri, and not long after the Rev. Samuel 
Allen M'Coskry was ordained bishop of Michigan. 

This Convention has been fully attended ; the bishops have 
all been present, and the business has been conducted with 
much diligence, perfect harmony, and brotherly-kindness. 

The doings of the Convention will be seen in its published 
journals. As among the things most interesting, we may 
here mention, that Dioceses have been duly organized in Flo- 
rida, Louisiana, and Indiana, and have all been admitted into 
a union with this convention. Some new canons have been 
made and others altered, and, as we trust, improved. We 
hope soon to have such a code of ecclesiastical law r that fur- 
ther alterations will be seldom needed. 

The calls for more episcopal labors and supervision are 
many and urgent, and after deliberation and prayer, the 
House of Bishops have nominated and the House of Depu- 
ties have elected the Rev.Leonidas Polk, of Tennessee, to be 
a Missionary Bishop of Arkansas, and whose labours, it is ex- 
pected, will at first be chiefly bestowed on the vacant dioceses 
in south-western parts of the United States. 

The proposed alteration of our General Constitution, so 



mder certain restrictions, to allow very large Dioceses to 





1838.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



5 



be divided, has been adopted ; and the Diocese of New- York 
is availing itself of this permission, and taking measures to 
form a new Diocese in the western part of that state, which 
business, it is expected, will, in November next, be completed. 

Your Bishops, deeply feeling the need which the Church 
has of more ministers, from a solemn sense of duty request 
our clergy to present the subject before their respective con- 
gregations, exhorting parents and others to give the children 
under their care such religious education as may lead their 
thoughts to the christian ministry, and prepare their minds 
for its due exercise, and to call upon those who have piety 
and talents, which are suitable to a right exercise of this 
sacred office, to consider, with all seriousness and prayer, 
whether they are not called of God to labour in this work. 

The report on the state of our churches, which we have 
received from the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, is 
highly gratifying, and calls for our united thankfulness and 
praise. Throughout the United States, and especially in the 
western parts of our country, the number of our clergy and 
of our churches, and the calls for our ministrations are ra- 
pidly increasing. 

The advanced age and other infirmities of the Bishop of 
the Eastern Diocese, has induced the Convention of Massa- 
chusetts, according to the Canon, for such case provided, to 
elect one to assist him during his life, and to succeed him, 
in that State, after his decease. The Rev. Alonzo Potter, 
D. D. was almost unanimously elected ; and it is hoped, that 
after his return from Europe, which is soon expected, he will 
accept the appointment. 

Among this large body of people composing the present 
Convention, assembled as they are from all parts of the 
United States, with, as we may suppose, various opinions and 
conflicting interests, their deliberations on these and many 
other subjects, have uniformly been conducted with such har 



6 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



(1838. 



mony, peace, and love, as to be a striking and very affecting 
proof that the Spirit of God has been wilh ns ; and it should 
cause us to bow before hirn with thankful adoration. 

If, in this present address, we again direct your attention 
to some things which have been noticed in our former let- 
ters, let it be remembered that we need line upon line, and 
that the religious instruction which is most profitable, con- 
sists not so much in curious speculations, or the invention of 
new things, as in the repetition of old and important truths, 
and in urging again and again those doctrines of Christ, and 
duties of religion which are the most essential, and the most 
fatally neglected. 

In whatever concerns the order and worship of our 
church, and the points wherein we are chiefly distinguished 
from other denominations of christians, we ever deem it 
highly important that you should be well instructed and 
firmly established. But, in our former letters, we have so re- 
peatedly addressed you on these points, and in 'the most of 
the Addresses, and Charges, and Pastoral Letters, which 
have been made public in our respective dioceses, we have 
so often and so fully discoursed on these distinctive princi- 
ples, that we shall at present suppose that you have less need 
of instruction in them. 

The great object of our ministry, and of all the institutions 
of our holy religion, is the salvation of men through faith in 
Jesus Christ, and obedience to the precepts of his Gospel. 
The chief obstacle to our success is the unwillingness of 
"the natural man to receive the things of the Divine Spi- 
rit ;" or, " an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the liv- 
ing God." It has been a common thing in every age, for 
good men to complain of the wickedness of that in which 
they lived ; and in every age has there been abundant rea- 
son for such complaint. In no other age, perhaps, has infi- 
delity and irreligion been more generally and openly avowed 
in christian countries than at the present time. But we have 
the promise that "when the enemy shall come iii like a 



1838.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



7 



flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against 
him." The fulfilment of this promise is manifest in the 
signs of the present time ; in the increase of religious know- 
ledge and love of Christ ; in the decline of bigotry and of 
persecution ; in the extensive circulation of the holy Scrip- 
tures ; in the vast increase and right application of mission- 
ary zeal ; and especially in the Protestant Episcopal church, 
in an awakened and growing love of evangelical truth. The 
fulfilment of that promise do we happily experience in the 
blessing of God upon the means we use, and in the present 
prosperity of our churches. In regard to externals, certainly 
the Lord has done great things for us, and much reason have 
we to thank him, and take courage. 

But our thankfulness for his goodness has not, we may 
well fear, been sufficiently shown, even with our lips; and 
still less is it seen in our lives. A part only has been done 
of what the Lord has put it in our power to do, in extending 
the borders of the Redeemer's kingdom, and promoting true 
religion. This is evident, not only in the prevalence of vice 
and irreligion, but in the scantiness of the funds of our Do- 
mestic and Foreign Missions : in many unanswered calls 
for our ministrations; in the faithless neglect of the means 
oi grace, and in the want of a holy zeal, and more general 
and united efforts, in striving together for the faith of the 
Gospel. Though every good and perfect gift is of Him, 
"from whom all holy desires, good counsels, and just works 
do proceed," we are not authorized to expect his favor and 
blessing but in proportion to our own efforts to obtain his 
grace and to do his will. We must plant and we must 
water not the less, but the rather, because that God only 
gives the increase. As infidelity waxes bold, let the chris- 
tian warrior awake to righteousness, and put on the whole 
armour of God. 

What is first necessary, and the most essential to the pro- 
motion of religion, and to the increase of our church, and of 
every thing truly good, is a sound faith in the doctrines of 



8 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



(1838. 



Christ and in the truths revealed in the word of God. 
What is our natural fallen state, and what the redemption 
wrought by the Lord Jesus Christ, should be clearly and 
faithfully taught, cordially received, and well understood. 
To man, in his natural state of alienation from God, the 
Gospel brings the good tidings of salvation, revealing that 
greatest of wonders, how God can be just in justifying those 
who believe in Christ. If we would be saved in him, and 
by enlarging the borders of his kingdom, and extending the 
means of grace, promote the salvation of others, we must 
build on this only sure foundation. It is of high importance 
that we have right views of the character of the Saviour, as 
" the Lord our Righteousness," even the " one Lord Jesus 
Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him f who " for 
us men, and for our salvation came down from heaven, and 
was made man," that he might "put away sin by the sacri- 
fice of himself." By him, as the Word or Son of God, was 
the world made ; by him it has been redeemed, and by him 
shall finally be judged in righteousness. And it is by faith 
in him, and the doctrines of his cross, that we may hope to 
obtain that salvation which is of God, and inherit immor- 
tal blessedness. These momentous truths, which the Scrip- 
tures fully reveal, and which are clearly expressed in the 
Articles and Homilies, and other standards of our Churchy 
the ministers of Christ are commissioned and sent to teach ; 
and they who would be saved in him should so receive 
them, as with the heart to believe unto righteousness. To 
some, indeed, they ' ; are a stumbling block, and to others, 
foolishness;" but to those who rightly view them, they are 
" the power of God unto salvation." 

The minister of Christ goes forth with his commission in 
his hand, and may not go beyond the word of the Lord his 
God to say less or more. And to him should the people 
hearken, as did Cornelius and his friends to Peter, when 
they said, {t We are all here present before God, to hear all 
things which are commanded thee of God." As the one is 
bound to declare, so are the others to receive " all the coun- 



1836.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



9 



sel of God." The preacher is not allowed to prophesy 
smooth things, nor to accommodate his doctrine to the wis- 
dom or to the desires of men ; his business being not to 
please, but to save them, he must teach that which humbles 
the sinner, exalts the Saviour, and gives all glory to God. 
The Gospel preacher should imitate the faithful physician, 
who regards not so much the taste of his patients, as the na- 
ture of their disease, and prescribes that which will restore 
them to health, rather than what will give them immediate 
pleasure. Every congregation of God's people should be 
aware that when the preacher's words are most delightful to 
their ears, he may be departing from his duty, and unfaithful 
to their souls. 

There is danger, from the infirmity of our natures, of be- 
ing too much influenced by a dislike of some doctrines or 
tenets, or by a partiality for others, and of giving, by forced 
construction, to passages of the Scriptures the sense which 
we prefer, rather than that which the Divine Spirit intended. 
It is natural, and not uncommon, with serious and well- 
meaning christians, to cite chiefly the texts which seem best 
to agree with their own views ; to confirm their favorite 
creed, or the distinctive principles of their own sect or deno- 
mination ; — to urge them much, and dwell upon them, 
while they neglect, or more seldom refer to such passages 
as seem to be less favorable to their own sentiments. We 
should be aware of this weakness, and of the evils which it 
produces, being ever ready and. desirous to teach and to hear 
the truth, and the whole truth, as it is in Jesus Christ, though 
it may not be according to our own wisdom. Every thing 
which the Scriptures make essential, whether of faith or of 
works, — of doctrines or of duties, let us cordially receive. 
Some christians prefer to hear chiefly of the doctrines, while 
others prefer the precepts of the Gospel. To please some, 
the preacher must dwell most upon what the Lord has done 
to save them, while others desire chiefly to hear what they 
must do to be saved. One is delighted with reasoning in 
sermons j another with declamation. Some think it most 

2 



10 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



(1838. 



profitable to dwell on the terrors of the law, while others are? 
satisfied with nothing but the invitations of the Gospel. Let 
it be remembered that the faithful preacher must give to all 
their portion of meat ; he must keep back nothing which 
" is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, or for 
instruction in righteousness ; that the man of God may be 
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." He 
must not be partial in dispensing the word, lest some part of 
his flock should be sent empty away. And whatever God's 
minister is commissioned to teach, let his people devoutly 
and gladly hear. 

The great subject of our preaching is to be " repentance 
towards God, and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ." 
The morality we teach must be christian morals. We can 
build on no other foundation than on Him, " who, of God, is 
made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, 
and redemption." We would not that the preaching on mo- 
ral duties should be underrated : but without that faith 
which reneweth the heart, and " worketh by love," we can 
never do, or be, what the Gospel requires. Little good has 
resulted, or is likely to result, from all the fine things that 
have been preached on moral rectitude, as unconnected with 
faith in Christ, and christian love. What is called natural 
religion is too obscure to bring life and immortality to light. 
It is the grace of God bringing salvation in Jesns Christ 
which renews the heart in hope and love, and constrains 
men to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live so- 
berly, righteously, and godly in this present world." It is 
the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, accompanying the 
preaching of Jesus Christ and him crucified, which alone 
can make men wise unto salvation ; — which can show 
" how man can be just with God," and how God can be just 
in justifying those who have transgressed his laws : how 
they who have been dead in trespasses and sins may be par- 
doned, and accepted, and rewarded, as righteous in the sight 
of God. There is nothing devised by the wisdom of man 
which can authorise those who are concluded under sin, to 



1838.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



li 



raise their eyes in hope to a reconciled God. No human 
comforter can pour the balm of forgiveness into the wounds 
which sin has inflicted, disarm death of its sting, the grave 
of its victory, and give songs of joy amidst the heaviness of 
sorrow. 

Permit us, then, to repeat and to urge upon your devout 
consideration, that preaching Christ is the great instrumen- 
tality appointed of God, for diffusing the knowlege of eternal 
life, and renewing the heart with a lively faith and holy af- 
fections. We know from experience, and as matter of fact, 
that it has this effect. Preachers who in some things differ 
one from another, — they indeed who in other respects are 
faulty and erroneous, if they preach the doctrines of the 
cross, — if they exhibit the Saviour in his true character, and 
the scriptural doctrine of justification through faith in him, 
their preaching is in fact successful in converting souls to 
God ; it is made, through divine grace, instrumental in re- 
newing the heart by faith, and bringing forth the fruit of 
good living. Though some should "preach Christ of con- 
tention, not sincerely," God may overrule it to the effecting 
of some good, and we may well, even in such case, rejoice 
with an apostle, that Christ is preached ; — that, he is made 
known to man in' his true character of Prophet, Priest, and 
King, and that men do in fact submit to the righteousness of 
God. But be it carefully remembered, that the less these 
true doctrines of the cross are mixed with error, in other 
points, the better will be the effect. From any material error 
we humbly trust, and may well believe, that the doctrine 
and worship — the order and discipline of our Church are 
free ; and that, if we adhere to our own standards, and 
are as zealous and faithful as others, none will be more 
successful. 

The belief, we know, has extensively prevailed that we, 
as a denomination, have not been so decided and faithful as 
others in teaching and receiving the doctrines of Christ ; — 
that in practice we have deviated from our own Articles and 



PA5TCRAL LETTER 



(1635. 



Homilies. However unfounded we may think this belief to 
be. it evidently renders it more necessary for us to be expli- 
cit, decided, and consistent in regard to those doctrines of 
grace, which are certainly and most fully in our standards 
maintained. 

Let it also be remembered, that - charity endureth all 
things f and that when falsely accused, she is " not easily 
provoked." Far from being" provoked when thus accused, 
let us not be hasty in ascribing it to prejudice even ; bat re- 
flect rather whether there may not have been in times past, 
some ground for such opinion respecting us. When accused 
of error, it is more safe and more profitable to examine than 
to justify ourselves. When falsely accused, the best manner 
of defence is the letting our conduct show the mistake of 
those who speak asrainst us. The propensity of our fallen 
nature to notice and to magnify the faults of others, while 
we are blind to our own, we should also be aware of. As it 
is the duty of individuals to consider their own faults, rather 
thau their neighbors" : so is it of sects and denominations. 
Christian charity -rejoiceth not in iniquity, but in the truth f 
she is more ready and disposed to notice and to praise what 
is good in other christians, than to expose their errors, or to 
censure their faults: — she believeth and she hopeth all 
things, which are most favorable to their good motives and 
christian character. Our clashing opinions and differing 
views of religions subjects, as also the censures and the op- 
position which we meet with from others, are, like afflic- 
tions, trials of our faith, and patience, and charity. Unrea- 
sonable opposition, and censures most unmerited, did our 
Saviour endure with patience and compassion, and the best 
of his disciples must expect the like. It is enough for the 
disciple to be as his Master. Had we no trials of this sort, 
how could we know, or the world know, that the spirit 
which was in Chiist, is also in us 7 How, without such 
trials, can we honor our profession, in the exercise of chris- 
tian graces ? 



1838.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



13 



Respecting your treatment of christians not of our com- 
munion, we would refer you to our letter of 1817, 1823, and 
1832. In the present divided state of the church, one of the 
things most difficult in practice is the conducting of our- 
selves, as the Gospel requires, towards Christians of other 
denominations: on the one hand, to contend earnestly for 
the true faith ; on the other, to "hold the faith in unity of 
spirit, and in the bond of peace." We should so contend for 
the truth, as to show that the truth is in us. It is not more 
our duty "to banish and drive away from the Church all 
erroneous and strange doctrines, contrary to God's word," 
than it is "to maintain and set forward, as much as lieth in 
us, quietness, peace, and love among all christian people/' 
By unsanctified efforts to eradicate the tares from the field 
of God's kingdom, the wheat is injured. In contending for 
small things, weightier matters are -too little regarded. We 
are ever in danger of thinking too well of ourselves, and too 
ill of others. While we are careful "not to boast of things 
without our measure," let it also be remembered that the 
greater are our advantages, the more perfect our standards 
of faith and worship, the greater also is the sin of "turning 
from the holy commandment delivered unto us. 

"Quietness, love, and peace among all christian people" 
is highly essential to the salvation of men and to the pros- 
perity of religion. How many and great are the evils result- 
ing from the dissentions of those who profess and call them- 
selves christians is too obvious. These, more perhaps than 
any other fault of christians, retard the spread of the Gospel. 
Did they all, as their duty is, unite in faith, and love, and 
evangelical zeal, the Redeemer's kingdom would be rapidly 
extended throughout the earth, and at no distant period would 
all the ends of the world see the salvation of our God. These 
divisions cause thousands to doubt, and many to deny the 
truth of Christianity. They are what chiefly disgrace the 
otherwise glorious Reformation ; they tend very much to 
countenance and to perpetuate the idolatrous corruptions 
against which we justly protest, and to diminish that love, 



14 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



(1838. 



among pious believers even, which is "the end of the com- 
mandment" and the " bond of perfectness." It is mournful 
to see how much, and with what asperity the disciples of a 
meek and humble Saviour sometimes contend for light shades 
of difference, and for things of little or no importance. Such 
were the things which first and chiefly caused the divisions 
in the Church of England, — things which scarce any now 
pretend to view as essential parts of religious truth. Those 
divisions, so long continued and so obstinately maintained, 
are a mournful proof, that schisms in the Church, after hav- 
ing been commenced, are with great difficulty healed. So- 
lemn warnings should they be to us, to let no diversity of 
opinion, in things not essential, disturb the unity of the 
Church, or cause unfriendly feelings among its members. 

The wonderful preservation of the Church of England, 
and the success of her great and increasing efforts to extend 
the Word of God and the light of truth to various people and 
nations of the earth, may well excite our thankful admira- 
tion. Her present arduous struggle amidst foes and perils, 
calls for our sympathy and also for our prayers, that He, 
who has thus far sustained her, and made her the instru- 
ment of incalculable good, will continue to be her safeguard 
and defence. 

While speaking on the subject of christian unity, permit 
us to observe that your Bishops have noticed, with painful 
concern, that our religious journals, which ought to be to 
our Churches as messengers of peace on earth and good will 
towards men, diffusing among our people the knowledge of 
Christ and the love of God, are too much filled with unpro- 
fitable controversy ; and what is worse, that they not un- 
frequently manifest a spirit of strife and contention, incon- 
sistent with brotherly kindness and christian love. It is 
an evil which in the judgment of some, more than balances 
all the good which those journals effect. It is injurious to 
the cause of religion, and to our Church especially, causing 
us to appear before the world, as what we certainly are not, 



1838.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



16 



a divided Church. In no other way is the bond of charity 
oftener broken, and unity disturbed, than by judging illi- 
berally of the tenets and practice of others. This is now 
the way in which the spirit of persecution chiefly operates. 
It is happily, in a great degree, disarmed of its tortures and 
flames ; but in slanders, and "hatred and malice and all un- 
charitableness," it still exists. From which let us pray in 
our hearts, as with our lips we do. that the Lord will deliver 
us. If we have occasion, which we should never seek, to 
speak of the errors or failings of any christians, meekness, 
humility, and compassion should possess our hearts. Ascrib- 
ing the cause and blame of schisms or disunion to others, is 
more likely to increase than to diminish the evil ; it is far 
better to give them good examples of unity and peace. 

It is not necessary to true charity, though much to be de- 
sired, that christians should bo, in every thing, of one mind ; 
nor that all should be of the same denomination. We may 
love as brethren, though as such we do not commune to- 
gether in all the ordinances of Christ. But to be truly his 
disciples, it is necessary that we should love those who love 
him, and because they love him. It is a profitable and a 
pleasing exercise of charity to view with compassion the er- 
rors and mistakes of pious, well-meaning people, and to love 
those who love the same Saviour and worship the same God. 
When we consider what numbers amongst us scoff at all re- 
ligion, and how many, professing to be christians, reject what 
we deem essential doctrines of Christ, " making his cross of 
none effect," and how many others have disfigured the truth 
and simplicity of the Gospel by the inventions of man, they, 
who happily agree in what is essential, should delight in cul- 
tivating love and living as brethren, not permitting strifes 
of words, and questions of expediency to disunite them. 

Our late venerable brother, Bishop White, in his Charge 
on " the Past and Future," which he then considered as his 
last advice to the people under his pastoral care, has remarks 
on our feelings and conduct towards those of other denomi- 



p 



16 



PASTORAL LETTER, 



(1838, 



nations, which merit the regard of all our churches. Our 
endeavor should be to win souls to Christ, by showing that 
his Spirit dwells within us. "By this," he says, " shall all 
men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to- 
wards another." According as we treat others with forbear- 
ance, kindness, and love, will his work prosper in our hands. 

The adherents of the church of Rome, who are yearly 
coming amongst us from foreign lands, are, many of them 
certainly, to be pitied, more than blamed, for their prejudice 
against Protestants. Let them be treated with kindness and 
love. Harsh opposition will confirm them in what we deem 
to be their errors. We shall best convince them of the hope 
that is in us, and impart to them the knowledge of Christ, 
by treating them as brethren ; by manifesting a sincere de- 
sire to do them good, and to promote their salvation through 
faith in that Saviour who alone is our Advocate with the 
Father, and the one and only Mediator between God and 
man. In our lives let them see what are the fruits of the 
Spirit, and what that " faith which worketh by love." They 
will judge of the Reformation from the effects it has on those 
who boast of being reformed. If we protestants contend 
among ourselves, and manifest no love for them, what we 
say of our better knowledge will seem to them as a vain con- 
fidence of boasting. 

To be ready always, and willing to give to those who ask 
it, a reason of the hope that is in us, provided it be done, as 
an apostle directs, " with meekness and fear," will have a 
good effect in promoting christian love and true religion. 
The divided state of professed Christianity makes it very 
much our duty to examine well what we teach, and what we 
believe, and also what are the tenets and distinctive princi- 
ples of differing denominations of christians among whom 
we live ; that, while we treat them all with christian love, 
we may associate with those who are most conformable to 
what our Saviour taught and his apostles practised. Frank 
and friendly conversation on the doctrines of Christ, and the 



1838.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



17 



duties of religion, will be profitable to yourselves and to 
them. By carefully ascertaining what are the views and be- 
lief of others, prejudices will in some cases be removed, and 
charity increased. The propensity of our nature to justify 
ourselves, and obstinately to defend our own opinions, often 
excites unkind feelings and unprofitable controversy; but 
these evils will be avoided if you maintain your opinions 
with meekness and fear. Meekness and humility, which 
are essential to the christian character, our Saviour has care- 
fully taught us by precept and example. By pride, man fell 
from his first estate ; and it is the greatest obstacle to his res- 
toration to the favour of God. (£ Whatsoever harm there is," 
says the judicious Hooker, "in private families: — whatso- 
ever, by strife amongst men combined in the fellowship of 
greater societies ; — by tyranny of potentates, ambition of no- 
bles, or by heresies, schisms, and divisions in the Church ; 
naming pride, we name the mother which brought them 
forth, and the only nurse that feedeth them. Give me the 
hearts of all men humbled, and what is there that can over- 
throw or disturb the peace of the world? Many things are 
the cause of much evil ; but pride, of all." A wiser than 
Hooker has said, "only by pride cometh contention:" and 
He who is infinitely wise, declares, " pride I hate." The 
disciple of that Saviour who was eminently meek and lowly, 
should be " peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of 
mercy, &c. without partiality," showing all due respect to 
the opinions of our fellow-men. 

In discoursing on religious subjects we have need not on- 
ly of meekness and humility, but of religious awe and godly 
fear. Religion often suffers much, through want of reverence 
in those who discourse upon it. In speaking on such sub- 
jects as the state, and the immortal destinies of ourselves and 
all mankind ; — on the word and the will of God — the work 
of redemption — the character of the Saviour — the doctrines 
of his cross, and the means of grace, we have surely reason 
to fear, lest we should be influenced by pride or self-will ; 



18 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



(1338. 



]est, like the friends of Job. we should not speak of God the 
thing that is right. 

The spirit of meekness, and of benevolence, and of libe- 
rality, truly so called, is remarkably manifest in the institu- 
tions of our Church ; and happy will it be if all its members 
imbibe this spirit, equally free from enthusiasm, bigotry, and 
superstition. This, with union and love among ourselves, 
and a holy zeal in imparting to others a knowledge of Christ, 
is necessary to our prosperity and the more rapid increase 
of our churches. A thankful sense of God's mercy in Jesus 
Christ will naturally increase our brotherly affection ;— we 
shall feel that " if God so loved us, we ought also to love one 
another." 

There is danger of an undue reliance upon the soundness 
of our creeds, and the excellency of our order, and worship, 
and discipline. They who have the word of God, and the 
practice of the earliest christians in their favor, naturally 
incline to rely too much upon their orthodoxy. Supposing 
that truth will support itself, or that it can easily be defended, 
they are more remiss in the Lord's work; while they who 
broach novelties, or make innovations, or teach unsound 
principles, depend more upon their zeal and activity. We 
would not recommend to you zeal without knowledge, nor 
the proselyting arts of sectarianism ; but that holy energy 
and manly zeal in the cause of truth : that rational and per- 
suasive earnestness which evidently becomes those who be- 
lieve in Christ ; who would live and act in the fear of God ; 
and do works suitable for those who are labouring for eter- 
nity. Our orthodoxy should be seen in the doctrines we 
teach, the faith we profess, and the fruit which it produces. 
If we are blest with more or better privileges than some other 
christians, we are bound to excel them as much in all vir- 
tue and godliness of living. A correct creed is good, but a 
godly life is better. People will judge of us, and their Sa- 
viour has taught them to judge of us } by our fruits. " A good 



1838.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



19 



tree cannot bring forth evil fruit." What the tree is, the 
fruits will show. 

It should be carefully understood that " we do not, through 
faith, make void the law." We are required to work out 
that salvation which is by faith. We preach the doctrines 
of grace, not to render good living the less necessary; but 
to produce such works as God requires, and has promised to 
bless We are to do what he commands ; to show not 
our own righteousness, nor our merits, but our faith and 
love, and that we are obedient children. Salvation is not 
the less of grace, or the less free, because something is re- 
quired of us K to do to be saved." The doctrine of our 
Church is, we trust, the doctrine of the Scriptures, "that 
good works are the fruits of faith— that they do spring out 
necessarily, of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by 
them a lively faith may as evidently be known, as a tree dis- 
covered by the fruit." Obedience is the best evidence of 
conversion : a new heart is evinced by good works ; a sound 
faith by a holy life. 

We would particularly recommend, and urge upon those 
who believe in Christ, and desire the salvation which is of 
God, a right and faithful observance of the christian ordi- 
nances ; and particularly Baptism, Confirmation, and the 
Lord's Supper. These you should view not merely as du- 
ties, much less as a burden, but as great and inestimable pri- 
vileges mercifully ordained, in compassion of our weakness, 
to strengthen our faith, and increase in us true religion. 
Use them as sanctified means of obtaining God's heavenly 
benediction; not as supposing that the observance t of them 
is meritorious, or any evidence of your own righteousness, 
but rather as a declaration before the Church, and before the 
world, of your trust, in the redemption and the merits of Je- 
sus Christ, and of your desire to draw near to God, in the 
way and by the means of his own appointment. 



Though in these United States our number is small com- 



20 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



(1838. 



pared with the other denominations around us, let it not be 
forgotten, that in all the points which we deem essential to 
Christianity, we agree with what has been, and still is, held 
by far the greater part of christians throughout the world. 
It is our duty, certainly, to labour in that way which we be- 
lieve to be according to the word and will of God. In re- 
forming the Church from the corruptions which had accu- 
mulated through its darker ages, many protestants, for va- 
rious reasons, and with differing views, have rejected some 
things which in our view are essential, and we dare not re- 
ject them. In those things of course we differ, and with re- 
gret are constrained to differ from many, who, we doubt not, 
are pious believers in Jesus Christ. It is not for us to judge 
them ; but we must take heed to ourselves, and adhere stead- 
fastly to what we believe to be the truth, as it is in Jesus 
Christ. This truth we are cordially to receive and faithfully 
to teach. If others walk not with us, God will be their 
Judge : " to their own Master let them stand or fall." Let 
us endeavor " both by our life and doctrine, to set forth his 
true and lively word," and to "stand fast in one spirit and 
with one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel :" 
let us respect and love all christian people, but not turn aside 
to the right hand or to the left, from the straight and narrow 
way which leads to life. Let it be manifest that we are a 
Church of Christ, by building on him, the only true founda- 
tion, and " holding the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of 
peace, and in righteousness of life." Let our Church be the 
happy resort and refuge of all who love the Lord Jesus 
Christ ; who willingly submit to his righteousness, and de- 
sire to live in harmony and love. To the doctrines of his 
cross, and to all the essentials of his Gospel we must stead- 
fastly adhere, not turning aside to accommodate the taste or 
the views of any sect or individual ; but to all who will build 
on the true foundation of " one Lord, one faith, one baptism," 
let the doors of his Church be ever open. Let us "be so 
merciful that we be not too remiss, and so administer disci- 
pline that we do not forget mercy," nor take from any one the 
liberty wherewith Christ has made him free. So far as the 



1838.) 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



21 



truth of God will admit, would we "become all things to all 
men," and bring every penitent, believing soul into the pale 
of his Church, that all may be of one fold, under one Shep- 
herd. Our care should be, by teaching and by example, to 
exhibit this " house of God as the pillar and ground of the 
truth," " endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the 
bond of peace." 

We would also recommend, as what will contribute much 
to the increase of the Church, and the happiness of its mem- 
bers, the cultivation of mutual love and brotherly kindness 
between the ministers of Christ and the people of their pas- 
toral charge. This interesting relation is, we fear, at the 
present time, losing something of its very salutary influence. 
And this, we cannot doubt, is in part, if not chiefly caused, 
by the frequent removals of clergymen from their parishes, 
contrary to the warm affection, and earnest desires of their 
flocks, and sometimes, perhaps, in violation of solemn en- 
gagements. We know, and we deeply regret the pecuniary 
exigencies, which, in many cases, seem to constrain our 
clerical brethren to this painful measure. But we fear, that, 
in cases not a few, they yield too easily, and too soon, to 
discouraging circumstances; and that in some instances 
they are influenced by motives and views of a worldly na- 
ture. Is there not amongst us a too general deficiency of 
trust in Him who is the head of the Church, and the Bishop 
of our souls ? — In Him who has promised, to his ministers 
especially, that if they "seek first the kingdom of God and 
his righteousness," the things necessary for their temporal 
comfort shall be added unto them? The many and great 
evils resulting from such frequent removals are evident and 
well known. To remedy or diminish these evils, the people 
who are blest with the labors of a worthy, faithful pastor, 
should be thankful for so great a blessing, and do all that is 
reasonably in their power to strengthen his hands, and to 
aid him in his labors, that he may exercise his ministry 
" with joy, and not with grief." And let the ministers of 
Christ trust more in Him whose ministers they are ; let them 



22 



PASTORAL LETTER. 



(1838. 



not be soon or easily discouraged because all things are not 
according to their mind, nor because they see not much fruit 
from their labors. They who truly labor in the Lord,, 
will not labor in vain. Let them labor also in patience, 
willing and praying that the Lord's will may be done. Our 
willingness to sulTer for the Lord's sake, is an evidence that 
we are truly his. Let the clergy, according to the example 
and precept of the apostles, endeavor, by good economy 
and frugal living, not to be more burthensome to the people 
than is necessary. This is daily becoming more the duty of 
Christ's ministers, and the more necessary to the prosperity 
of religion, on account of the increasing divisions of the peo- 
ple into smaller societies of various denominations, by which 
preachers are multiplied, and the burthen of supporting them 
is increased. 

The length to which this letter is extended, constrains us 
to omit much that we would have added on the subject of 
prayer. You do not, we trust, need to be reminded that the 
constant, earnest, and faithful performance of this duty is, 
more than any one thing, necessary to the promotion of god- 
liness and the increase of true religion. Except the Lord 
build the house, in vain shall we labor to build it. The 
work is his, and without his grace to direct and bless our ef- 
forts, we can effect nothing good. It is according as we 
trust in God, looking to him in prayer, and seeking for his 
aid in the way of his own appointment, that we may hope 
that his work will prosper in our hands. "Forsake not the 
assembling of yourselves together, as (he manner of some is." 
Let the services of our Church be regularly attended, and, 
by ministers and people duly performed. " Brethren pray 
for us." If the holy apostles, with all their gifts and graces, 
needed the prayers of christians, that the word of God might 
have free course, and their ministry be blest, much more do 
we need your earnest supplications to God the Father, 
through Jesus Christ, that his Spirit may be with us, and 
that we may have wisdom and grace to exercise the office 



1838.^ PASTORAL LETTER. 23 

committed to our trust, to the glory of God, the increase of 
his Church, and the salvation of his people. 

By order of the House of Bishops, 

Alexander V. Griswold, 

President of (he House of Bishops, 



ft 



